Fantasy Football: Is Peyton Manning Worth Starting Anymore?

Peyton Manning has thrown 11 interceptions in the last three weeks, all games the Indianapolis Colts lost.

That statement is strange for two reasons. First of all, Manning has been one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, how could he throw 11 interceptions in three games? Also, since when have the Colts had three-game losing streaks?

The Colts have been a mess this season, though they are still very much alive in the AFC South. They find themselves just a game behind the Jacksonville Jaguars with four games left on the schedule, including one against the Jags.

But, does Peyton Manning have any fantasy value for the rest of this year? Let's take a look at a couple factors playing into the decision to start or sit Manning.

Injuries

The Indianapolis Colts have suffered more than their fair share of injuries on both sides of the ball this season, but the offense has been hurt particularly badly by their losses.

First off, nearly everyone who has lined up as tailback for the Colts this year has missed time with injury, including Joseph Addai, Donald Brown and Mike Hart. The Colts are down to playing rookie Javarris James in the backfield.

Then, there's the receiving corps. Manning has been without Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie for periods of time throughout this year.

Garcon has returned and Collie might return soon, but Gonzalez is done for the year.

Also done for the year is valuable tight end Dallas Clark. Clark has been Manning's go-to guy since the retirement of Marvin Harrison.

Manning is down to a receiving corps that features new tight end Jacob Tamme and receiver Blair White.

Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon are healthy now, but defenses are able to key on them and make Manning throw to the other receivers.

Schedule

The Colts remaining schedule looks like this: at Tennessee, vs. Jacksonville, at Oakland and vs. Tennessee.

I like that schedule for Peyton Manning. The Titans have the 23rd and the Jaguars have the 27th ranked pass defense in the NFL this season.

Those teams are going to have problems against Peyton Manning as they have no stars to stop him and force him to throw more interceptions.

Start or Sit?

Start Manning. He's fine. He'll recover and get the Colts to the playoffs somehow, some way.

He'll pick apart his remaining division opponents and put up 300+ yards in every remaining game.

He'll start to gel even more with Tamme and White. He'll get Collie back, who was having a very strong year before injury problems hit.

He's been thoroughly embarrassed the past two weeks, having four interceptions returned for touchdowns. He'll make smarter decisions and watch even more tape than he already does.

Therefore, if Manning is on your bench, you'll end up regretting it.